On the Raspberry Pi 4, the hardware codecs for MPEG2 or VC1 are permanently disabled and cannot be enabled even with a licence key; on the Pi 4, thanks to its increased processing power compared to earlier models, MPEG2 and VC1 can be decoded in software via applications such as VLC. The MPEG-2 codec costs £2.40, and the VC-1. Documentation configuration config-txt codeclicence Licence key and codec options in config.txt. Hardware decoding of additional codecs on the Pi 3 and earlier models can be enabled by purchasing a licence that is locked to the CPU serial number of your Raspberry Pi. The MPEG-2 codec costs £2.40, and the VC-1. Documentation configuration config-txt codeclicence Licence key and codec options in config.txt. Hardware decoding of additional codecs on the Pi 3 and earlier models can be enabled by purchasing a licence that is locked to the CPU serial number of your Raspberry Pi.
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How Do I add an MPEG-2 license key to my Raspberry PI?
Before purchasing your License from the raspberry pi shop you will need your Pi’s serial number. This is quite simple to do.
Get Your Raspberry PI Serial Number
- Boot UP your PI.
- Goto system > system info > network.
- Note your serial number – should be something like 000000000ffae29e.
Once you have your Serial number go to http://www.raspberrypi.com/mpeg-2-license-key/ fill in the form and pay your money. 2-3 days later you will get an email with your new License code.
In the email you will find a line similar to decode_MPEG2=0x7654321 the “0x7654321” is your License.
Add your License to your OpenElec / XMBC Installation
- Insert your SD card in to your PC or MAC etc.
- Open up your SD card in your file viewer of choice.
- Open config.txt.
- Scroll down until you find # decode_MPG2=0x00000000.
- Delete the #.
- Change the 0x00000000 to your new license.
- Click save.
- POP the SD card back in your PI and reboot.
Note – Some versions of XMBC have a field in their settings tab to allow you to input your license directly via the interface.
That’s it your job is done.
If you use multiple OS versions on multiple SD cards you will need to add the License to each.
Test your License
This process uses SSH, i would suggest you use a program called putty get it from http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/download.html
Default SSH username and password on openelec is username = root and password = openelec
Get your IP address from system > system info > network
- SSH into your Pi.
- Type “vcgencmd codec_enabled MPG2” without quotes.
You will then get either a MPG2=enabled or MPG2=disabled.
For more Tutorials and Hints & Tips on the Raspberry PI check out our Raspberry PI Blog Section
If you would like to Buy a Raspberry PI, its accessories or software check out our –
Raspberry Pi Mpeg 2 Codec Keygen Download
If you would like help with your Raspberry PI, computer or laptop then please contact us or visit our IT Support Page.